Albertine Rift - Ecology

Ecology

The Albertine Rift montane forests are important eco-regions. Transitional forests, intermediate between lowland and montane forest, are found at elevations from around 1,000 metres (3,300 ft) to 1,750 metres (5,740 ft). Montane forest covers the slopes from around 1,600 metres (5,200 ft) to 3,500 metres (11,500 ft). Above 2,400 metres (7,900 ft) there are areas of bamboo and elfin forest. Heather and grasses predominate above 3,500 metres (11,500 ft). The ecology is threatened by deforestation as a growing population seeks new farmland. Illegal timber extraction is another problem, and artisanal gold mining causes some local damage.